A law firm representing thousands of Kenyans seeking damages from the British government today announced plans to launch a Manchester office.

A law firm representing thousands of Kenyans seeking damages from the British government today announced plans to launch a Manchester office.

Tandem Law is one of only two firms nationally to be involved in a group action relating to allegations British colonial forces tortured and abused detainees during the Mau Mau rebellion in the African state between 1952 and 1959.

It was founded in Preston last August but will open its second north west practice in the Spinningfields business district in November.

The office will house 53 staff, 23 of whom will be new recruits, and will focus entirely on the Mau Mau case.

Tandem has signed for 5,200 sq ft at Tower 12, the latest addition to Spinningields.

The firm specialises in professional and clinical negligence, commercial litigation, debt collection and financial mis-selling work.

It also provides marketing and web design services.

Managing director Andrew Lindsay told the M.E.N: “We already have around 85 staff in Preston and some of those will transfer to Manchester, where we will also be recruiting some new people.

“The Manchester office will initially focus on the Mau Mau case but the move is part of our wider expansion plans.

“Our move to Tower 12 represents a significant time for our business, as our combined legal and marketing expertise have met a demand in the market, enabling us to increase our presence in the region.”

He added : “The location at Spinningfields is fantastic, whilst the office space itself is full of natural light enabling Sheila Bird to create an inspiring working environment that supports our growing team, whilst also providing a great place to welcome our clients.”

The Mau Mau rebellion was a revolt against British rule in the 1950s and 1960s and saw thousands killed and tortured.

A test case has been launched against the government, with the claimants involved wanting an official apology and damages to set up a Mau Mau welfare fund.

The government claims too much time has passed for a fair trial to take place and the High Court is set to rule on the issue.

That could pave the way for thousands of others, including those represented by Tandem, to join the claim and seek individual damages.

Manchester-based Sheila Bird Group has been appointed to design the office space and manage Tandem's move into Tower 12.

The 75,000 sq ft building, previously known as Manchester House, has been developed by Allied London.

It is located near to the Oast House pub, in the heart of Spinnignfields, and is linked to Bridge Street by a pedestrian walkway called Avenue North.

The Tandem letting is the latest boost for Tower 12. In August, barristers chambers Lincoln House moved there from its previous base on Brazenose Street.

Membership body pro.manchester also moved into the block in early September.

Atul Bansal, co-founder of Sheila Bird Group, said: “The architecture and design of Tower 12 is really refreshing and it is a fantastic example of how to make an existing building of this age work for modern occupiers.”

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